Wine

Item Description

In every vintage there are wines that are referred to as “sleepers”; wines that generally outperform their pedigree and are real values for the money. This is because they are usually relatively lower priced to match their average quality and often are not well ‘followed’ by the reviewers. In years they do produce outstanding wines the wine is equal to or better than many wines which may sell for 2-3 times as much due to their notoriety.

Moulin Haut Laroque 2003, Canon Fronsac

Wine Advocate 90:

This superb offering is a sleeper of the vintage. It exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a fragrant perfume of blackberries, cherries, smoke, and licorice. Medium to full-bodied with superb purity as well as fruit, moderately high tannin, and admirable persistence, this wine is well above its pedigree.

La Bernadotte 2003, Haut Medoc

Wine Advocate 90:

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 possesses a dense plum/purple color, a rich, sumptuous perfume of roasted nuts, cedar, figs, plums, and black currants, medium to full body, silky tannin, low acidity, and a lush, hedonistic, sensual personality.

Devise D’Ardilley 2009, Haut Medoc

Neal Martin 92:

Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois 2009 tasting in London. The Devise d' Ardilley was the winner of the Coup de Cru Bourgeois that I judged at Vinexpo in June. Here, it justifies that ‘coup’. It has a lovely, beautifully defined bouquet with pure dark berried fruits intertwined with marmalade and orange rind. Sheer class. The palate is beautifully balanced with superb acidity. Very vibrant, very composed with a sensual, caressing finish worthy of a Grand Cru Classe. Outstanding for its class.

Valmengaux 2003,

Wine Advocate 89:

This seriously run property, located on a plateau not far from Fronsac, is planted with 83% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is run by Vincent and Beatrice Rapin, whose father owns Ferrand-Lartigue. A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 Valmengaux is a modern-styled, richly fruity claret with plenty of new oak characteristics, a beautiful texture, good weight to its blackberry and cassis fruit, and fine purity as well as depth.

Le Thil Comte Clary 2009, Pessac Leognan

Wine Spectator 92:

This is quite ripe, with a big core of linzer torte, cassis and blackberry fruit, but well-supported by graphite and melted licorice notes. Offers ample breadth and depth, with honest grip through the finish. A rather polished style for a Pessac. Should settle in nicely with mid-term cellaring. Best from 2013 through 2020.

Vrai Canon Bouche 2003, Canon Fronsac
Wine Advocate 88-90:
This noble effort, displaying terrific purity, power, and richness, provides further evidence that Canon-Fronsac’s cool terroirs were beneficial in the torridly hot, dry summer of 2003. An inky/ruby/purple color accompanies aromas of violets, blueberries, and crushed stones. Powerful, rich, and generous, this sleeper of the vintage should be at its finest between 2006-2014.

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